Youth Expeditions Research Articles

The Perceived Long-Term Influence of Youth Wilderness Expeditions in Participants’ Lives

Background: Youth expeditions are regarded as beneficial and even “life-changing” experiences for young people, however the evidence on their perceived long-term impact is limited. Purpose: The purpose of this research was to examine the perceived long-term influence of expeditions in participants’ lives 29 and more years after going on a 3–6 week land-based self-sufficient wilderness expedition. Methodology/Approach: This study used a retrospective two-phase sequential research design. The first phase involved a web-based survey followed by individual semi-structured interviews in the second phase. Findings/Conclusions: For the majority of the 144 web-based survey respondents (93.8%), their first BES expedition experience was “enjoyable and meaningful”. Twenty-six interviews were conducted with people who had gone on their first BES expedition 29 to 66 years ago. Interviewed participants perceived seven long-lasting influences of expeditions: (1) ‘Connecting with others’, (2) ‘Fulfilling potential’ such as gaining confidence and resilience, (3) ‘Development of leisure activities and outdoor knowledge/skills’, (4) ‘Knowing thyself’, (5) ‘Sharing the experience’ to others, (6) ‘Impact on academic and professional life’, and (7) ‘Connecting with nature and the world’. Implications: This study provides evidence that the influence of wilderness expedition experiences can be long-lasting and significant on participants’ lives 29 and more years later.

The Antarctic youth coalition: an experiment in citizen participation and south–south cultural diplomacy

ABSTRACT Ongoing youth-based programmes providing educational expeditions to Antarctica have been developed by non-state actors, universities, and national Antarctic programs since the early 2000s. Despite the successes and impact of these educational programs, and despite the emergence and growth in recent decades of youth-led issues-based movements worldwide, there have been scarce opportunities for young people to have a voice in national and global networks for action on Antarctica. Furthermore, both Antarctic decision-makers and academia have not paid a great deal of attention to youth participation in Antarctic affairs. Drawing on a youth expedition to King George Island in February 2020, the authors designed the Antarctic Youth Coalition as an experiment in youth participation. As a result of the formation of the Antarctic Youth Coalition across five Antarctic gateway cities, we proposed that AYC to provides conceptual and practical platforms for a deeper interrogation of youth participation in Antarctic political, social, economic and environmental matters of concern. This article highlights sustained and active engagement with Antarctic youth projects and the role that young people can play in Antarctic cultural diplomacy.

How Outward Bound co-instructor relationships create a context for emotional support during stressful course situations.

Youth program leaders may experience considerable stress when they encounter emotionally demanding situations in their work. This stress can negatively affect their well-being or interfere with their ability to provide meaningful experiences for youth. Using Outward Bound (OB) youth expedition courses as a context, this study examined how co-instructors provided emotional support to instructors during stressful situations. Qualitative analysis of 31 OB instructor interviews showed co-instructors used three strategies: allowing instructors to momentarily exit the situation, validating instructors' emotions, and reframing negative situations. In addition, certain relationship factors facilitated the provision of support: building holistic relationships, establishing open communication patterns, and conveying commitment. The findings suggest that these factors increased instructors' perception of support availability, which facilitated them receiving support. This study makes a strong case for the value of co-worker relationships as a source of support for individuals in occupations where they experience emotionally stressful work situations.

Exploring factors influencing outcomes of a five-week youth expedition in the Himalayas using the sail training programme self-assessment toolkit

Much evidence to link youth expeditions and gap years with a range of outcome benefits for participants exists, but to date, there have been relatively few insights into what exactly brings about these reported outcomes. A modified version of the Sail Training Voyage Toolkit (2011) was used to evaluate outcomes of a five-week British Exploring Society youth expedition in the Himalayas. Data generated from 22 participants completing the modified Sail Training Voyage Feedback Form at the end of their expedition were complemented by data from 16 interviews conducted during weeks one, three and five of the expedition. Key factors identified by the participants which had influenced their learning were: (1) Other Young Explorers, (2) being involved in making decisions and having choices, (3) having time to learn at their own pace; time to get comfortable with people; being able to talk with other people (to make connections); (4) group leaders, and (5) wild camping. Data from 16 interviews supported these outcomes, while the physical challenges (of climbing peaks) and cultural interaction with local people were highly valued aspects of the expedition. Participants were more aware of risks and more confident about safety issues and taking risks after the expedition. These important outcomes may be transferred to future expeditions, higher education or employment. Personal development and training organisations should consider these findings.

Patient-centred mountain medicine

Venturing into the mountains, doctors have accompanied expeditions to provide routine care to the teams, undertake research and occasionally take on a rescue role. The role of doctors practicing mountain...

Personal development on youth expeditions: a literature review and thematic analysis

Youth expeditions are associated with a range of benefits for participants. More young people are participating in overseas expeditions than ever before as vacation and gap year choices are diversified by a rising number of expedition providers. To date, there has been no systematic research effort to draw together and evaluate the evidence that underpins the benefits or, otherwise, for youths participating in overseas expeditions. This paper reviews empirical and philosophical literature which has been published in a range of journals and themes emerging are placed into a personal growth model. This review (or mapping exercise) focused on post-1990 literature and found 35 key publications which met the criteria: youth expedition; duration exceeding 14 days, self-propelled, and based overseas or out-of-state. The 35 publications (UK 26; USA 4; Australia 3; Japan 1; South Africa 1) were subjected to a thematic analysis using Greenaway’s ‘Four Arrows’ model of personal growth. Outcomes associated with overseas youth expedition participation included (1) upward personal growth (realising potential) including increased confidence; physical and social resilience; self-reliance and ability to overcome challenges, (2) outward personal growth (learning about & relating to others), (3) inward personal growth (learning about self) and (4) downward personal growth (learning about environment). The processes that were valued in overseas expeditions and which, with some caution, may be linked with some of the aforementioned outcomes include: genuine independence; group isolation and self-sufficiency; person-centred leadership; positive responses to stress and physically demanding activity. Suggestions for areas for further meaningful research are offered.

Changes in latitude, changes in attitude: analysis of the effects of reverse culture shock – a study of students returning from youth expeditions

Despite the long history of youth expeditions and a growing number of participants and claims of being concerned with ‘youth development’, expeditions have received little attention by leisure and/or educational researchers in the UK. Recent literature specifically examining expeditions in the UK demonstrates an increasing interest in this phenomenon that sits on the juncture of education and leisure. There has been some critique regarding lack of clarity of recreational or educational aims and ethical issues. Literature from travel and tourism, management learning and international education all indicate that culture shock and reverse culture shock (RCS) are experienced in a range of contexts. These two literatures are summarised and inform the present research. This research focused on gaining an initial understanding of young people’s experiences of returning home after an expedition. Data were gathered six months after a six-week expedition (n = 19) to south-west Greenland to undertake science and journeys on the ice cap. Using a qualitative approach to analyse these data the following themes were identified as affecting the participants’ expedition reverse culture shock (ERCS): Sense of Isolation, Extending the Lessons of the Group and Using the Group as a Compass for the Future. Connections are made to literature on RCS and some suggestions made for facilitating ERCS. Other implications are considered.

A 20-year retrospective study of the impact of expeditions on Japanese participants

While ‘lasting effects’ of outdoor experiences have been suggested, few empirical studies have traced influences more than one year after the experiences. This study examines the written responses of 67 Japanese expedition participants who took part in a British-organized overseas youth expedition 20–23 years ago, to investigate their perception of the influences of the experiences through a retrospective approach. The findings show that the vast majority of respondents (99%) considered their expedition experience to be significant in their lives, and 96% answered that this experience had influenced their present selves. The study also identified perceived key elements of the expeditions that generated the influences, such as a diverse group of people, age of participation, and the natural environment. The findings yielded two implications for practice. Organizers of overseas youth expeditions should carefully consider the social and cultural dimensions of the hosting nations as well as those of the participants. Reflection and sharing after the experiences seem to help the learning to grow, and it is worthwhile for practitioners to encourage networking and sharing among participants after programmes are completed.

Pulse oximetry as a medical physics practical on school trips

We have measured blood oxygenation levels in a group of 14 people (8 young people and 6adults) on a physically demanding expedition to Mt Kenya. Blood oxygenation wasmeasured at 11 different altitudes between 1910 and 4985 m using pulse oximetry. We foundthat pulse oximetry was suitable for use on a youth expedition and we were ableto show that blood oxygenation levels reduced by 6% per 1000 m of ascent. Wepropose that pulse oximetry could provide a challenging and exciting projectas part of a school skiing trip. Such a project could include aspects of physics,physiology, experimental design and statistical analysis in an engaging and stimulatingformat.

Design, development and student evaluation of a Virtual Alps Field Guide

Each year as many as forty or fi fty groups of young people leave the country to take part in youth expeditions. In fact, Britain has a unique history of organised youth exploration stretching back over three quarters of a century. Although primarily intended to provide adventure and challenge to young people, many early youth expeditions carry out a signifi cant amount of fi eldwork. However, according to records kept by Geography Outdoors (2008), the centre supporting fi eld research, exploration and outdoor learning at the RGS-IBG, the proportion of youth expeditions now undertaking fi eld projects has fallen to one in ten. In Universities the benefi ts of teaching and learning through fi eldwork has been brought under closer examination in recent years (e.g. Andrews

Impact of the insect biting nuisance on a British youth expedition to Alaska.

The morbidity and nuisance factor associated with bites from mosquitoes and other insects are one of the many hazards faced by travelers, including those to the Arctic. A predeparture literature review suggested that insect bites were such a large problem in the area to be visited that they would probably have a significant impact on expedition activities. Therefore, we set out to assess the extent of the insect biting nuisance, focussing particularly on interference with expedition activities, in order to make recommendations for future expeditions to this area. The number of bites and their effects was examined on a 6-week British youth expedition to Alaska in July/August 1999. A weekly "Insect Biting Nuisance Questionnaire" was distributed to each expedition member (total 72) to record the number of bites received over the previous week, a subjective grading of severity and itchiness, the extent of interference with expedition activities, any complications from the bites, and details about prevention and treatment. The questionnaire response rate was 64%, which was a representative sample. The median number of bites per person over the entire 6-week period was 33, with females and younger expeditioners tending to receive more bites. Multivariate analysis suggested that younger age was associated with more severe and itchier bites. Sleep was disturbed by itching on only 4% (68/1918) of nights. Generally, the bites were thought not to interfere with expedition activities (median score for interference 0; range 0-10). The number of bites and their impact on expedition activities were both lower than expected. Thus, it is recommended that expeditions and independent travelers to this area do not need to increase time spent in the field to compensate for expedition man days lost due to problems associated with the insect biting nuisance.

Morbidity and determinants of health on youth expeditions.

To document the prevalence of illness and injury on youth expeditions and analyze specific determinants of health. Two thousand nine hundred fifteen people, aged 15 to 18 years, traveled with a commercial company, World Challenge Expeditions Ltd, between June and September 2001. Adult team leaders were required to keep medical cards for each person. This study is a retrospective analysis of these medical cards. Completed medical cards were available for 2402 people (82%). There were no medical problems in 36% of people. Illness or injury was reported by 64% (mean, 2.0 medical problems per person). Of the medical problems, 6% were defined as serious, and 1% were admitted to the hospital. One fatality occurred. The five most prevalent medical problems were diarrhea (22%), nausea and vomiting (20%), cold or sore throat (11%), headache (11%), and trauma (10%). Girls reported 19% more medical problems than the boys reported. Gastrointestinal illness was significantly increased at high altitude. Illness and injury were most prevalent in South America and least prevalent in Australasia. Our results demonstrate that in young people traveling to remote parts of the world, illness and injury are common. Serious incidents are rare; however, the death of one person does highlight the dangers present. This study may help risk assessment for young people considering taking part in an expedition.

Overseas youth expeditions with Raleigh International: A rite of passage?

This paper examines to what degree a 10-week expedition to Ghana, West Africa may be considered a rite of passage for its British participants. A case study method was adopted to interview 14 British youths two months before leaving on expedition, three times on expedition, and six months post expedition. Thematic analysis was employed to identify positive and negative indicators of van Gennep’s (1960) three stage model of rites of passage: separation, transition, and incorporation. The findings indicated that while the structure of the expedition mimics rites of passage on a superficial level, there are some aspects central to rites of passage that are missing from the overseas expedition experience. Expedition providers may consider adopting van Gennep’s model as a way to ‘re-introduce’ young people back into their communities with added responsibilities.

Ethical Adventures: Can we justify overseas youth expeditions in the name of education?

Abstract In the UK an increasing number of young people go on overseas expeditions which vary in length from one week to three months. In recent years a number of accidents and fatalities have led to media coverage questioning the educational value of such experiences. This paper examines some of the issues arising from increased participation in such expeditions. A brief contextualisation is offered prior to raising a number of questions and issues regarding ethical issues associated with overseas youth expeditions within an educational context. These include issues associated with acclimatisation to high altitude, cultural sensitivity, pedagogy, finances, and drugs. The second part of the paper considers certification and accreditation of youth expeditions in light of these ethical issues and examines some of the complex issues associated with the multidimensional nature of both expeditions and any such accreditation or screening process. The paper concludes that a forum to address ethical issues raised demonstrates some of the traits of becoming a profession and could help to contribute to either a sound justification of practice or changing practice to be justifiable. ********** "... an intelligent society recognizes that the benefit (and fun) that children gain from outdoor encounters outweighs the risks." Furedi (2001: 48) In the UK an increasing number of young people go on overseas expeditions which vary in length from one week to three months. Some involve a "gap" year, usually between school and university. This article examines some of the issues arising from increased participation in such expeditions. Observations are anecdotal but initial responses to these issues suggest that they may be applicable to a number of outdoor providers world-wide. Comments and discussions are welcome. Some have suggested that we live in a postmodern society, some prefer the term "high modernity", regardless of preference few could disagree that the nature of the societies and communities in which many people live has changed (Edwards, 1994). International travel is increasingly accessible to more people and as a result a globalization of outdoor education is taking place. In some respects this is positive and has led to sharing of ideas, perspectives and diversification of outdoor education philosophy and provision. Some of the rich discussions as well as experiences to come from this will potentially shape future directions of outdoor education. The increase in international travel opportunities has led, in the UK, and some other countries, to youth expedition providers springing up to meet the new found trend of exploration and adventure overseas. While there has been a long tradition of youth exploration in the UK (since 1932 when the British Schools Exploring Society was founded) the last twenty years has seen a boom of commercial and "non-for-profit" organizations. These providers vary in their claims, objectives and areas of operation. From the Arctic to the Antarctic, Mongolia to Chile--few countries in the world have not been "youth expeditioned". Before going any further a note on terminology is necessary. Outdoor education is a phrase used purposefully as most of these overseas youth expedition organisations state overtly educational objectives. In addition to these organisations there are a number of outdoor recreation providers and such like, to whom these issues are also applicable. This paper concentrates on outdoor education--it seems axiomatic that organisations promoting themselves as educational should be able to articulate and provide evidence of the educational processes and outcomes the young people are engaged in. The subject of educational accountability is one for further exploration. The summer of 2001 was notable for press coverage of fatalities during such expeditions. Seventeen year-old Amy Ransom was a member of a World Challenge expedition to Vietnam involving trekking. …

Morbidity on Youth Expeditions to Developing Countries

To document the frequency of illness and injury on youth expeditions and to compare this information with published data concerning other travelers. During July and August 1996, 945 young people aged 15 to 20 years traveled to the developing world with a single expedition company, World Challenge Expeditions Ltd. All groups were supervised by adult leaders. Leaders recorded all episodes of illness or injury occurring on the expedition on medical cards. We report a retrospective analysis of these medical cards. There were no deaths or emergency repatriations for the entire group of 65 expeditions. A complete set of medical cards was received from 47 of 65 expeditions (72%). Data were available for 644 individuals (309 male and 335 female). Local medical advice was sought on 17 occasions (1% of all episodes); 2 expeditioners required admission to a hospital. Four hundred eighty individuals (75%) experienced 1646 recorded health problems during their expedition. The most common problems were headache (18% of individuals), diarrhea (33%), nausea and/or vomiting (20%), and respiratory tract symptoms (14%). This study suggests supervised travel to the developing world is safe for young people. The incidence of gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms was similar to that in travelers of other age groups, and trauma or serious injury was much less common in this group than is reported in other travelers. Headache was more common than in older travelers and indicates that preexpedition briefing should focus on the assessment and potential significance of this symptom in the younger age group, particularly at high altitude (above 2500 m).